Department of Veteran Affairs Archives

Between 2011 and 2015, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) cancelled the benefits of more than 4,200 veterans after it had mistakenly declared them dead, when, in fact, they were very much alive.

Given the many issues plaguing the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) - including unreasonably long wait times for health care and various problems with the disability application process - it is no wonder why many people are calling for the privatization of the VA.

Problems at the Department of Veterans Affairs have resulted in numerous resignations, beginning with that of Secretary Eric Shinseki in spring 2014. The latest casualty was Alison Hickey, who was in charge of the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), the department that administers VA disability benefits.

A previous blog described the tests conducted on soldiers at the Edgewood Arsenal in Maryland during the Cold War era. This post discusses the tests conducted on members of the military during the same period to determine the consequences of exposure to radiation and other atomic substances.

The Department of Veterans Affairs received and spent $1.3 billion to replace its paper-based disability and pension benefits application system. However, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) reports that the VA still cannot fully support claims processing and appeals through its benefits management system.

It sounds like something out of a horror or sci-fi movie. Tens of thousands of military personnel were exposed to chemical warfare and other agents, usually without their informed consent or knowledge - all in the name of science. In some instances, soldiers were tricked into participating in the experiments. Many received incentives such as light duty and extra leave. Most were told to never talk about their experiences as guinea pigs.

Although the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has touted the significant reductions made in the backlog of VA disability benefit claims, it still faces problems. At least 900,000 veterans have health care applications pending with the VA, according to a report published Sept. 2 by the inspector general's office.

How Can We Help You

PhonePlease enter a valid phone number. You may use 0-9, spaces and the ( ) - + characters.

Brief description of your legal issue

Please verify that you have read the disclaimer.I have read the
disclaimer.disclaimer.

The use of the Internet or this form for communication with the firm or any individual member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form.